We’re all set for tomorrow night’s big high school basketball showdown – accompanied by a charity fund-raiser – between host Maryvale and Mount de Sales. Tip-off is 7pm (the game is sold out) in the Maryvale gym.

Our 5:30 VIP Reception in The Castle at Maryvale will include two championship guests-of-honor. Brian Billick and Ken Singleton have both agreed to volunteer their time tomorrow night to come out and help make the evening a success.

We will be raising funds for two great programs: The Erinn McCarthy Scholarship Fund (at Maryvale) and the “Think Pink” breast cancer research campaign at Mount de Sales.

A very special thank you to four local sports organizations who contributed major items for our raffle to raise funds for both charitable programs.

The Ravens donated a “Purple Pack” that includes an authentic Joe Flacco-autographed NFL football and the team’s 2008 media and game publications. Someday (maybe *ahem* soon), when Flacco is the winning quarterback of the Super Bowl, that football that he signed in his rookie year will be worth some serious money!

The Washington Capitals donated an authentic red game jersey autographed by the entire team, plus a VIP Suite for four (4) at a home game later on this season…and an autographed hockey stick from Hall-of-Famer-to-be Sergei Federov and outstanding 3rd year player Alexander Semin.

Both UMBC and Towson donated ticket packages and t-shirts to games later on in the 2008-09 season plus VIP treatment at the their respective home games.

The Orioles donated nothing.

Panera Bread and Conrad’s Crabs have both provided free sandwiches and seafood for the game and our VIP Reception. We appreciate the assistance and support of Gino Kozera (Panera) and George Antonakos (Conrad’s).

The volunteer list and back-slaps to “those who made it happen” will be detailed over the weekend when I re-cap the big event.

For now, we’re thankful to everyone who has helped make this night a great success and our special thanks go out to Brian Billick, Ken Singleton, the Ravens, Caps, UMBC and Towson.

Without them, the event and the fund raising efforts don’t exist.

Oh yeah, there’s a great basketball game on tap Friday night! That’s why we’re all gathered in the first place.

Maryvale vs. Mount de Sales, 7pm.

If you’re one of the lucky ones with a ticket, I’ll see you tomorrow night!